M. Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish Muslim scholar, educator and peace activist, has been awarded an honorary doctorate of education by Leeds Metropolitan University for his contribution to education, peace making and intercultural dialogue.
Özcan Keles, executive director of the London-based Dialogue Society charity, accepted the honorary doctorate on Thursday on behalf of Gulen at the university’s summer graduation convocation. “Fethullah Gulen considers this award as recognition of the work and efforts of what is known among academic circles as the Gulen movement or what Gulen himself prefers to call a movement of volunteers,” Keles, said.
Stating that by honoring Fethullah Gulen the university honors all of those who are inspired by his teachings and example, he said the award connects the university to millions of people all around the world. “The aim of Gulen’s lifelong work and that of the movement he inspires is to contribute towards the development of a more humane society which is committed to the well-being of others,” he said.
Professor Elspeth Jones, international dean at the university, also made a speech on Fethullah Gulen’s contribution to dialogue and education.
“The Gulen Movement is local, civic and autonomous and its primary purpose is to contribute towards developing a fully humane society, durable peace and greater understanding. Gulen asserts that we are human first, Muslim or of any other religion or culture next. He stresses the importance of serving the community in which we live, and he is against any form of terrorist activity or violence,” she said.
The dean concluded her speech with Gulen’s remarks: “Be so tolerant that your bosom becomes wide like the ocean. Become inspired with faith and love of human beings. Let there be no troubled souls to whom you do not offer a hand and about whom you remain unconcerned.”
Fethullah Gulen is a Turkish Islamic scholar well known for his teachings promoting mutual understanding and tolerance between cultures. One of the world’s most influential Islamic scholars, Gulen came out at the top of the list of “The World’s Top 20 Public Intellectuals” by the magazines Foreign Policy and Prospect in 2008. Now residing in the US, Fethullah Gulen has pioneered educational activities in a number of countries along with efforts to promote intercultural and interfaith activities around the world. He has written nearly 50 books in Turkish, some of them translated into several languages.
Source: Today's Zaman
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ANNOUNCEMENT
Fethullah Gulen, Rumi Forum Honorary President, named in 2013 TIME 100 list
We were delighted to hear today that Mr. Fethullah Gulen, an inspiration for many of our volunteers and donors, was named as one of TIME Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world in 2013.
Being named on the TIME100 list is recognition we see befitting of Mr. Gulen, who has dedicated his life to interfaith tolerance and peaceful coexistence with people of all faiths and backgrounds. His reinterpretation of aspects of Islamic tradition not only meets the needs of contemporary Muslims, but also inspires millions in Turkey and around the world to promote community service, intercultural dialogue and education.
Statement from Fethullah Gulen Condemning Boston Marathon Attack
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 17, 2013
Statement from Fethullah Gulen Condemning Boston Marathon Attack
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic bomb attack at the Boston Marathon that cost the lives of innocent people and injured many more. I express my absolute condemnation of this senseless act of violence that accomplished nothing more than the infliction of unbearable pain on innocent people. I send my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased and my prayers for a speedy recovery of the injured. On this sad occasion, I reiterate my condemnation of all forms of terror, which can never be justified by its perpetrators or their stated purposes. I hope that the perpetrators will be swiftly brought to justice and steps will be taken to prevent such horrific acts in the future. In difficult times such as this, I believe we must reaffirm our shared values of peaceful dialogue and mutual respect.”
STATEMENT on Boston Bombings - Rumi Forum - April 16, 2013
The Rumi Forum condemns the actions of those responsible for the horrific incidents in Boston yesterday. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the victims and their families, the wider Boston community and all Americans. Terror, violence and the killing of innocent people can never lead to beneficial results. The Rumi Forum believes that dialogue is the most important way to bring people together to discuss differences and plays the utmost important role of overcoming prejudice and ignorance.
Honorary President
Fethullah Gulen is regarded as the founder and inspirer of the global social movement known as the Hizmet (Service) Movement, more popularly known as the Gulen Movement.
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